Work has officially begun on the replacement for Hazel Trembath Elementary in Coquitlam, marking a significant step forward nearly three years after the former school was destroyed by fire in October 2023.
The start of construction is being welcomed by the local community, which has continued to feel the impact of the school’s loss.
“The loss of Hazel Trembath Elementary was deeply felt by students, families and the entire community, which is why it is so meaningful to see construction begin on its replacement,” said Mike Farnworth, MLA for Port-Coquitlam, in a statement. “This new school, as well as other school projects underway throughout the district, will provide students with the safe, welcoming spaces they need to thrive.”
The replacement project will use what the province describes as a “first-in-B.C.” hybrid-construction approach, designed to accelerate the delivery of the new facility.
Once completed, the school will provide 240 student seats and include a neighbourhood learning centre that will create space for future child-care facilities. The province is investing $39 million in the project, with the new school expected to open in December 2027.
The Hazel Trembath replacement is not the only major school infrastructure project underway in Coquitlam.
A new addition has already opened at École Dr. Charles Best Secondary, serving students in Grades 9 to 12 in the Ranch Park neighbourhood.
The two-storey expansion adds 300 student seats across 12 classrooms. The project was constructed to LEED Gold standards, with the province contributing $18 million toward its completion.
The investment forms part of a broader program of school infrastructure development across the Coquitlam School District. Since 2017, the B.C. government has invested in 11 capital projects in the district.
Eight of those projects have now been completed, including the new addition at École Dr. Charles Best Secondary.
Three projects remain underway: the replacement of Hazel Trembath Elementary, the seismic replacement of Montgomery Middle school and the construction of the new Burke Mountain Secondary.
The latter is scheduled to open in 2027, adding another major piece of education infrastructure to the district as Coquitlam continues to expand and modernize its school facilities.
